Macro Cage Adaptations - for high magnification focus stacking

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ย. 2024

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  • @margaretchurchill3141
    @margaretchurchill3141 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi Allan , and hello from Martham ,England. Thank you for an exciting project on your cage. I have been a amateur photographer for about 20 years. I have a Nikon macro prime lens, and your brilliant slow explanation on macro photography , also on building a cage has inspired me to have a go again. I am a member of a local camera club and had a go at a couple of close shots, of course could not get the lighting In the right position, as no where to fix. So my husband is going to build me one tomorrow, as he is a retired carpenter, going to build it with wood, also ordered some lights, so very excited at our new project.
    We are both nearer 80 years old, All of the U Tube videos that I have watched over these years, you certainly are top of the tree.
    Thank you for your layman’s terms, magic. By the way, I scored a 9/10 and a10/10 for my photos, so with my new cage and lights, who knows. Margaret Churchill x

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hello Margaret and thank you for the lovely message. I am so excited to hear about your new cage! Is it finished and have you had a chance to use it? It really does make this kind of photography so much easier and more fun. If you wouldn't mind, could you send me a photograph of the new cage for me to add to the collection. I would also love to see some of your work if you have any to share. Martham is not too far from Norwich, is it. I gave a talk to the Norwich and District Photographic Society earlier the year. You can reach me at contact@allanwallsphotography.com

  • @Ahmadrahimify
    @Ahmadrahimify 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    nice work, and greats ideas. Thank you

  • @pthomas36
    @pthomas36 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I've been building my cage over the past couple of weeks using some different construction techniques and ideas, but also using a lot of what you've given us to work with as well. I've been taking pictures of the build process and it's just about done. I'll be writing up a little blurb about that and when I have a couple of shots to show off with it, I will send that all off to you for your page. The entries already on there have been some inspiriation as well. Your channel is unquestionably my new favourite hangout on TH-cam.

  • @vincentspratling365
    @vincentspratling365 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I have not been doing macro photography for long but I have found your channel and have learned a lot already, Thanks

  • @CarlS100
    @CarlS100 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent modification ideas, Allan. Thank you for sharing. Also like the macro cage concept sharing idea. Thank you again.

    • @CarlS100
      @CarlS100 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Having trouble connecting to the link you attached above. Keep getting the error message, 'This site can’t be reached'.

  • @zlskr
    @zlskr 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks fr a great video. Answered many questions I didnt yet know I needed to ask. Off to build a macro cage . . .

  • @tbtrieste2
    @tbtrieste2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Have you tried two stacked goniometers on a rotation stage as the holding mechanism for the specimen? Rotation allows multiple poses of the same specimen in the same session more easily than an XYZ arrangement. (You can do this whilst watching in live view). However, you would be back in having the posing mechanism near the objective. Goniometers and rotation stages also exist in (more expensive) motorised versions .The whole can be put on a precision lab jack (keeping the Z axis). Tony Bradshaw

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Tony - that is the kind of gear that I have on my wish list - it would be vast improvement, for sure, but the ones I looked at (EO) were about $650 each! One day....

  • @davidhefner5668
    @davidhefner5668 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hurray.....my conical extention tube came in the mail yesterday. So did the 10x objective. Still waiting for the M42 to M42 helicoid. I ordered one that will give me an inch stretch.

  • @sparkeyjames
    @sparkeyjames 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The first image of the ant is great. With a little cleanup in photoshop it would be spectacular. The second image of a bug not so much.

  • @MultiMamaco
    @MultiMamaco 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    His work is great: a space for new perspectives. Thank you

  • @normski4ash
    @normski4ash 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Few very interesting ideas there, don't think I will get into objectives, just acquired the el nikkor 50mm F2.8, a set of bellows and all the step up step down's etc that were needed, and am ready to rock and roll with that. I don't get the problem of specular hi lights using a Godox AD200 bare bulb in a 60cm square softbox directly above my rig. because of the size of the softbox and it's close proximity, compared to the subject, this is a massive, therefore very soft source of light. Though I do position reflectors to bounce light back up to light the subject from underneath, and because it is reflected it is less powerful, giving the illusion of hi light and shadow, giving a more 3 dimensional appearance. Works OK for me. Thanks again for all you are doing here for us Numpty novices...

  • @unusualengineer
    @unusualengineer 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hi Alan fantastic stuff and enjoy the detail. Have struggled to find what you call a 'pin clamp' can you advise where you can get hold of them? Thanks

    • @OzFlyfisher
      @OzFlyfisher 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Me too please as I have searched high and low and cannot find it. A 'proper' description would be fantastic.

    • @OzFlyfisher
      @OzFlyfisher 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I found this further down in the post from Amazon.com - Jonard M-145 6.5" Captive Pull Spring Hook

  • @davidhefner5668
    @davidhefner5668 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just wanted you to know your coating me lots of money. Lab lift came in the mail today from Amazon. I need a good macro rail/slider. That's next.

  • @MyEWIJourney
    @MyEWIJourney 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Allan if you haven’t already, you might want to try a wonderful diffusion material made by Roscoe called “Tough Rolux”. It really spreads the light more evenly than perhaps tracing paper thus reducing or maybe even eliminating hot spots. I’ve used it for years for product photography and have always been very pleased with the quality of light it produces. This could greatly simplify your lighting setup by eliminating the need for those bounce cards.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Jim. I have used that material in the past and it really is fabulous. The heavy tracing paper I use is pretty excellent as well, but so much less expensive. I'll get some of the Rolux and try it for this application - thanks!

    • @MyEWIJourney
      @MyEWIJourney 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Allan Walls Photography I ordered a small sheet of it from theimagingworld.com 3 weeks ago but it still hasn’t even shipped so I’m guessing they’re out of stock on it. I believe I saw it on B & H though.

  • @robertstorost629
    @robertstorost629 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello,Allan
    Another great video with lots of useful information for me! Not only are they informative, but uncannily timely. 2 days after I got my Nikon bellows your video popped up. Then I got a reversing ring for an old 50mm canon FD lens I have and again there is a video 2 days later. Now, I was photographing a tiny jumping spider last weekend and was disappointed with the reflections in the eyes and up pops this video! Anyway I will be trying the flocking for sure and I think I'm ready for the macro cage. There is just too much clutter on my table. It will really help to simplify things. Great work!

  • @mondujar279
    @mondujar279 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Very interested in your changes. My cage is evolving and probably it will never end. Currently I am trying to get a better way to hold specimens and diffuse better. I have knocked a few specimens with movable diffusers so am thinking of more permanent ideas. Possibly using opal acrylics, not certain yet. That spring hook looks good. Will try reflective light too. My best diffuser so far is 3strips of tracing paper taped to the flashes, then a polystyrene tube (big) over the specimen. Damps the speculation highlights nicely but is a bit cumbersome

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I hear you. There is no one-size-fits-all lighting solution - every subject brings a new set of challenges.

  • @davidhefner5668
    @davidhefner5668 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just built a 4-way slider that runs along the top of the cage. Moves left and right, front to back. Smooth. Holds camera for vertical shoots. But will be used mostly for lights. Background curtain drop...use shower hooks. Dinner knapkin size with grommets attached. Can also use computer monitor set at back of cage. Be careful of reflection....angle downwards. Ordered yesterday two sets of extention tubes. Also ordered a m42 to rms cone for objectives, 4x and a 10x...all amazon. Adapter rings arrived, still waiting for another set. Not decided yet on camera slider....a 4-way. And a remote shutter release. Caught one of those big hairy spiders yesterday and put it in a pill bottle...and added a fly...a nice big juicy fat one.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That sounds awesome, David. Be sure to share some images when you get it up and running!

  • @beautifulsmall
    @beautifulsmall 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    move, wait, open shutter, wait, flash led close shutter ect. ect. . yes there are not many people interested, my kids. My origional inspiration was Nikon small world, and in the UK the Balsam Post distributed by the PMS Postal Microscope Society, a fantastic group i was in a few years ago who send slide packs round on circuit. would love to rejoin when time allows.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It is definitely an acquired taste! I love the idea of the Balsam Post! Never heard of it before, but it sounds wonderful. Thanks for letting us know about it.

  • @patricknicolas1138
    @patricknicolas1138 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Merci Allan, Thank you Allan for your shared work ... but here (Grenoble, France) what is missing with winter are insects.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      The same is true here, Patrick. Winter is for photographing the insects collected during the summer!

  • @MadSkunk
    @MadSkunk 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    This was a very informative video. Thanks again Allan! I'm also really looking forward to the 'cage' project as I'm currently looking for new ideas.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Me too! I have seen a lot of the work that has been done and much of it is really amazing!

  • @mikethomas1073
    @mikethomas1073 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Allen. Much appreciate the effort you put into your work, very informative. My "set-up" changes weekly LOL. I, too ordered the RMS to M42 adaptor 2 months ago & still waiting. Ordered 1 from Thorlabs & had it in 3 days. Not cheap I know, but it got here & it had a box of snacks included! Thanks again, get excited when I see you have a new vid.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Seriously? Free snacks? I'm in! I have completely given up on ever seeing the adapters I have ordered so far this year. I feel sorry for the folks who have ordered expensive stuff from China - some of those businesses appear to have shut down completely.

    • @mikethomas1073
      @mikethomas1073 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes! Box w/ granola bars & such.

  • @Seafox0011
    @Seafox0011 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Only been a sub for a couple of weeks but find your channel inspirational and incredibly informative! Have yet to even check your website - but the thought that immediately came to mind on a name for the website light-cage area was - 'The Cage Page' :-)

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I like it! I am preparing to make some substantial changes to the website, new features, new galleries, all kinds of stuff. Definitely check it out!

  • @robertstorost629
    @robertstorost629 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey Alan, your ideas give me some ideas. I have a Canon macro twin light that works really well but not for high magnification because you just can't position them to fit at the correct angles. And if you try to use a mini tripod they have a coil cord attached that will knock the tripod over. However, they do have a quarter inch threaded socket on each one that I could attach to some mini clamps and articulating arms and then to the macro cage. The great thing about these powerful little flashes is they are very very small you can get in some really tight places. And with that little pin holder you suggested that frees up enough room to get underneath and many other angles. There is my project for this weekend! LOL. Regards, Robert

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great idea Robert. I have looked at those Canon macro lights. The Nikon Version (R1C1) is even harder to work with. I would love to see what you come up with - maybe you could post a picture on Discord? Sounds like you have a fun weekend of tinkering coming up! I'm jealous!

  • @michaelmckeag960
    @michaelmckeag960 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I picked up materials for base and cage at Home Depot this morning, then returned to review this video as I populate my Amazon wish list with the other bits and pieces. I discovered the flexible arms terminated with alligator clips are indeed available independent of a base. Search for "2 Pack Set Flexible Gooseneck Metal Arms with Alligator Clips," and Bob's your uncle. There is no information on the thread size at the base, hopefully 1/4-20.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Tremendous! I've been looking for those things - better be 1/4-20s!

  • @bjnslc
    @bjnslc 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    For the organizer box with vials, look at Amazon using "diamond painting storage"

    • @davetyler8214
      @davetyler8214 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That is awesome. Thanks for sharing!!

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      You shouldn't have told me about that, BJ - now I have to have that foam insert box with 60 bottles!!!

  • @marconius101
    @marconius101 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Dear Allen, as a Dutch man my hart warms seeing you in orange....;-)

  • @mariomifsud1302
    @mariomifsud1302 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks as always very informative.

  • @davidhefner5668
    @davidhefner5668 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have that same shirt in white. Got it at Cabellas.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mine was on sale at Walmart - the orange and pink ones weren't selling!

  • @photografiaaustralis2131
    @photografiaaustralis2131 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Allan. Hope you're well mate. I think a granite base, be it awfully heavy and impractical would reduce vibrations even more.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey Greg - I'm looking for a new studio space that is on the ground floor and built on a concrete slab. If I put a chunk of granite in this wee house, it would go right through the floor! But even if it didn't, a granite slab would only be as stable as the floor underneath it - and my floor is more like a trampoline than anything else!

  • @davidhefner5668
    @davidhefner5668 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    A good option to hold the bug pin......fly tying vise. Buy a cheap one around $20.

  • @mondujar279
    @mondujar279 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another idea for a video is Stack and Stitch. I am interested in how to accurately stitch numerous images in photoshop. Like Levon Biss style in his Microsculpture project

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Andrew - I was just working on the slabbing video and trying to decide whether or not to combine it with stack and stitch - I decided they should be separate videos. But I will get to it quite soon.

    • @mondujar279
      @mondujar279 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Allan Walls Photography Look forward to them.

  • @jimgsewell
    @jimgsewell 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Allan, check the link to your site. I think you are missing the .com on your URL. Also, I think your trimming stage is an XYZR 4 axis, from what I can find on ebay. Thanks for the video.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks Jim - I will correct that now - I called the XYZR and XYZ because the thing won't rotate - but it also doesn't X, so I should call it the YZ trimming stage! I would avoid this brand at all costs - very poorly made and overpriced.

    • @keeskraaijeveld4704
      @keeskraaijeveld4704 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Its very expensive the XYZ-tjonge i see😩

  • @davidhefner5668
    @davidhefner5668 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    U.S. Plastics, located in Lima, Ohio, has all sorts of little plastic bottles. See website.....easy to find. Download catalog.

  • @heshamalmolla5962
    @heshamalmolla5962 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    DSC03709.jpeg
    thanks for being back

  • @nataliesmith8503
    @nataliesmith8503 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Allan - Nats from New Zealand here - thanks so much for your update very informative as always. Yes, you can buy just the arms for the quad hands in various lengths the link is www.quadhands.com/collections/all - you should be hitting them up for a commission - you've probably doubled their sales - although they won't ship directly outside the States!

  • @skakdosmer
    @skakdosmer 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Have I accidentally strayed into Walls' cagey community? 😊
    I expect that next you’ll build a whole basement in steel and concrete as a macro rig. 😜
    I am truly amazed how dedicated you are, Allan. I just bought a 10X microscope objective kit from www.traumflieger.de which includes a few adapters, a Raynox 150 and a 14cm tube. But I don't expect I'll ever go so far as to line the inside of the objective. I'd be afraid to take it apart in case the glass element(s) should go out of alignment. And I think I'll stick to more improvised setups as I'm not going to fill my already stuffed little house with cages and other space consuming items.

  • @bplain80
    @bplain80 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome but what was the "captive pin clamp" thing that holds the specimen? Where can we find that?

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey Brandon - I just added a link to these awesome pin holders - fist link in the notes above!

    • @bplain80
      @bplain80 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AllanWallsPhotography your the BEST Allan. I sent you an email from your website as well. I want to buy something from you :)

  • @keeskraaijeveld4704
    @keeskraaijeveld4704 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice again Allan. Top!! Only the "Cage-thing-project link" above doesn't work (yet).

  • @stuartpinkney2340
    @stuartpinkney2340 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Allan can you please tell me the name of the pin clamp you have in this video?

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Stuart, It is the Jaynard (sp?) captive spring hook which can be found here... amzn.to/3s5898T

  • @James_Hande
    @James_Hande 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    First off Allan I want to thank you for all your very informative videos that you share with us! I think the sharing of everyone's concept of the Macro Cage is a splendid idea, hope it goes well for you. Even though I bought my D300 when it first came out, I'm really still a newbie to photography learning to come off of "P" mode. I do have a question that I'm kind of embarrassed to ask... When shooting macro, why flashes instead of a continuous light source?

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Thanks James... It is a matter of taste and I have done a lot of continuous light work over the years. The main reasons I prefer the multiple flash approach are short flash duration, consistent power output, no flickering, and consistency of color temperature. Also, when shooting at high magnification, continuous lighting becomes more difficult and often forces the use of unacceptably high ISOs or low shutter speeds, introducing noise and/or motion blur, respectively.

    • @James_Hande
      @James_Hande 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thank you all for the replies. Guess I would have learned the hard way since I have a few continuous lights kicking around. I better start shopping for a couple more flashes. Thank you all again!

  • @caltari
    @caltari 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    How did you attach the QuadHands to the Superclamp? They sell the magnetic clamps on Ebay without the base. Thanks in advance

  • @matthewmarsie9457
    @matthewmarsie9457 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Are those the camvate articulating arm on the superclamp? Can you link to the fittings you use to mount the flashes to the arms?

    • @matthewmarsie9457
      @matthewmarsie9457 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Also the fitting to mount the articulating arm to the superclamp?

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Matthew - I have added links in the show notes above - a couple of the items are improved versions of what I was using, it is all Small Rig stuff.

    • @matthewmarsie9457
      @matthewmarsie9457 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AllanWallsPhotography phenomenal. You are truly a cut above the rest, thank you for all that you do

  • @kristijanignjatovski4415
    @kristijanignjatovski4415 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Allan, very good video. Now I have specific question about lighting. I am sick of charging non-stop batteries for the flashes. Have You ever been thinking about strobes?

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi Kristijan - yes, I certainly do use strobes. We haven't done a video on the technique yet, but I will be. I use a large soft box on top of the cage and multiple reflective panels in front and underneath the subject. Great technique and no batteries!

    • @kristijanignjatovski4415
      @kristijanignjatovski4415 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AllanWallsPhotography can You make an video. And by the way, what strobes do You use Allan?

  • @wassim2364
    @wassim2364 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ty ☕️👍 , m’y English is bad , but your content is wonderful... Ty s.m.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Abyh, my English is bad too! Glad you enjoy the videos!

  • @thestalicho
    @thestalicho 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Captive spring hook, amazon.

  • @rommme
    @rommme 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Did you track your face in video editing or am I just seeing things?

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I just had to go and look up "face tracking" to find out what it was. I still don't know, for sure, but unless it is possible to do it by accident, I didn't!

    • @MichaelDeVowe
      @MichaelDeVowe 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AllanWallsPhotography It's likely, Allan, that you have image stabilization turned on when your camera is on a tripod.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MichaelDeVowe I use an AF-S Nikkor 24/70mm f/2.8G ED on a D850 - neither device has image stabilization.

    • @MichaelDeVowe
      @MichaelDeVowe 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AllanWallsPhotography Hmm, that's odd why the video would look like that then. Perhaps your NLE or TH-cam automation? Great videos, by the way!

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@MichaelDeVowe I wish I knew! It might be related to Premiere. I have been having fits with the 2020 release and just switched back to 2019. Thanks for helping my troubleshoot!

  • @alanrecktenwald4239
    @alanrecktenwald4239 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Allan the item is a captive spring hook used id repair fields. I purchase mine at Precision Roller (www.precisionroller.com) This is best place I have found for them for the best price.

    • @AllanWallsPhotography
      @AllanWallsPhotography  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Well I got 33% of the words right!

    • @nataliesmith8503
      @nataliesmith8503 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AllanWallsPhotography Thanks Alan - I wasn't getting very far searching for a 'pin grabber!'